Will Hot Chips Help a Sore Throat? What to Eat Instead

December 20, 2025 •

4 min read

According to numerous health experts, spicy and hard foods are among the top items to avoid when suffering from a sore throat. This is because these irritants can worsen inflammation and increase pain, directly contradicting the common misconception that 'hot' spices can help.

Quick Summary

Spicy, crunchy foods like hot chips can further irritate and inflame a sore throat, causing more pain and discomfort. It is best to avoid them and opt for soft, soothing foods and liquids instead for faster recovery.

Key Points

Hot chips worsen sore throats: The crunchy texture scratches the inflamed throat lining, while spicy ingredients cause further irritation and burning.
Soothing foods are best: Soft, gentle, and creamy foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and warm broths offer relief and are easy to swallow.
Spicy 'remedies' are a myth for sore throats: While some spices can help with sinus congestion, they will only agitate an already sensitive throat, prolonging discomfort.
Stay hydrated to heal: Drinking plenty of non-acidic fluids like water, warm tea, or broth is crucial to prevent dehydration and soothe the throat.
Avoid acidic and very hot items: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and overly hot beverages can irritate the throat, so opt for bland, warm or cool foods and drinks instead.
Natural remedies help: Honey mixed with warm water or herbal tea provides antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits that can help reduce coughing and pain.

Why Hot Chips Are Bad for a Sore Throat

While the heat from spices might feel like it's clearing your sinuses, the reality is that spicy and rough foods are counterproductive for throat pain. When your throat is inflamed, the lining is already sensitive and tender. Eating crunchy, abrasive snacks like hot chips can physically scratch and scrape this delicate tissue as it goes down. Simultaneously, the spicy seasoning acts as an additional irritant, leading to more burning and inflammation. This double-whammy of physical and chemical irritation can prolong your symptoms and make swallowing even more painful. The acidity often present in hot sauces and flavorings, like vinegar, also contributes to the irritation.

The Allure of Spicy 'Remedies'

The idea that spicy food can help with sickness isn't without some basis, but it's often misapplied. Some people believe that the capsaicin in hot peppers can thin mucus and help with congestion, which may be true for a stuffy nose. However, this effect does not translate to a sore throat. In fact, triggering more mucus production can lead to increased throat-clearing, which further irritates the area. For a raw, irritated throat, soothing it is the primary goal, not agitating it further.

What to Eat and Drink for a Sore Throat

When your throat is feeling raw and scratchy, the best course of action is to choose foods that will soothe and coat the area, not aggravate it. The right nutrition is crucial for helping your immune system fight off the underlying infection.

List of Soothing Foods

Warm Broths and Soups: Warm liquids like chicken or vegetable broth help to hydrate you and can provide a soothing sensation. They also help to loosen mucus and provide valuable nutrients.
Honey: This natural remedy has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can help coat the throat to reduce pain and coughing. Mix it with warm (not hot) tea or water.
Smoothies: A cold smoothie made with non-acidic fruits like bananas, melons, or peaches can numb the throat and deliver a host of vitamins and antioxidants. Avoid adding acidic ingredients like oranges or berries.
Yogurt: The cool, creamy texture of yogurt is very soothing. The probiotics can also support your immune system, though some people find dairy increases mucus production.
Mashed Potatoes and Cooked Vegetables: Soft, mushy foods like mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or well-cooked, tender vegetables are easy to swallow and gentle on the throat.
Ice Pops and Ice Cream: Cold foods can help numb the pain and reduce inflammation, offering temporary relief. Choose fruit-based ice pops over dairy-heavy ice cream if you are sensitive to mucus thickening.

The Importance of Hydration

Staying hydrated is one of the most critical steps in recovering from a sore throat. Dehydration can make your throat feel drier and more inflamed. In addition to warm broths and teas, simple water is an excellent choice. Herbal teas, especially chamomile, ginger, and turmeric, also contain anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in recovery.

Foods to Avoid: A Quick Comparison


Foods to Avoid	Reason for Irritation	Best Soothing Alternative	Reason for Soothing
Hot Chips	Crunchy texture can scratch the throat lining; spicy seasoning increases inflammation and burning.	Mashed Potatoes	Soft and easy to swallow, providing energy without irritation.
Spicy Sauces	Irritates the throat, leading to more pain and discomfort.	Warm Broth	Coats and soothes the throat while providing hydration.
Citrus Fruits (e.g., Oranges)	High acidity can sting and inflame already sensitive tissue.	Bananas or Melons	Low acidity and soft texture are gentle on the throat.
Hard Crackers	Sharp, rough edges can scrape the throat on the way down.	Oatmeal or Yogurt	Creamy, soft foods that glide down easily.
Very Hot Beverages	Can burn the sensitive throat tissue, worsening pain.	Warm (not hot) Tea with Honey	Provides warmth and anti-inflammatory benefits without burning.
Alcohol	Dehydrates and irritates the throat, hindering recovery.	Water or Herbal Tea	Hydrates the body and provides a calming effect.

Conclusion

While the thought of eating a hot, spicy snack might seem appealing when you're feeling under the weather, hot chips will most likely harm, not help, a sore throat. The combination of crunchy texture and irritating spices can exacerbate pain and inflammation, delaying your recovery. To find relief, focus on soft, soothing, and hydrating options like broths, smoothies, and honey. Proper rest, hydration, and a gentle diet will help your body heal more effectively and get you back on your feet sooner. If your symptoms are severe or persistent, always consult a healthcare provider for the right course of treatment.

Get more insights on sore throat relief through proper hydration from AdventHealth's official blog.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crunchy foods have a rough, abrasive texture that can physically scratch and irritate the tender, inflamed tissue of a sore throat as you swallow, making the pain worse.

While some people believe spicy food can help with congestion, it is a myth when it comes to sore throats. The spices irritate the throat's sensitive lining, which increases inflammation and pain.

Warm liquids like herbal tea with honey and chicken or vegetable broth are excellent choices. Cool beverages like water or smoothies can also numb the area. Staying hydrated is key to recovery.

Some people find that dairy products, like ice cream or milk, can thicken mucus, which can be irritating. However, cold yogurt can be very soothing for others. It depends on your personal reaction.

Yes, honey is a great remedy. It has natural antibacterial properties and its thick consistency can coat the throat, providing relief from coughing and irritation.

You should avoid acidic fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruit as they can sting the throat. Stick to non-acidic options like bananas, melons, peaches, or applesauce.

If your sore throat is severe, persists for more than a few days, or is accompanied by a fever, rash, or difficulty swallowing, you should consult a doctor to rule out more serious infections.